Top Inverness Outdoor Activities

The Scottish Highlands are filled with incredible sights but driving around the region's most rugged and remote areas can be challenging. Skip the self-drive hassle with a guided tour from Inverness that takes you to landmarks such as Ardvreck Castle, Lochinver, and Achmelvich Beach, as well as along a stretch of the NC500 Route.

Witness the mythical splendor of Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle conveniently, without the hassle of having to rent a car, on this coach and boat trip from Inverness. Take a leisurely boat ride to Urquhart Castle—keeping your eyes peeled for the famed Loch Ness monster—where you’ll learn about the site’s bloody history and enjoy scenic views of the Scottish countryside.

Seek out the Loch Ness Monster on a 2-hour cruise from Dochgarroch Lock. The boat is fitted with a special Nessie sonar, but if the elusive monster doesn’t show up, other sights will charm you instead. Pass along the Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, and the site of a World War II bomber crash. Learn about the loch’s history and legends as you cruise.

Check a visit to John O’Groats, the northernmost point on British mainland, off your bucket list on a full-day tour through the Northern Scottish Highlands with convenient round-trip transport from Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide provides live commentary and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from Dunrobin Castle to lunch in the ancient Viking town of Wick (own expense).

Discover the enchanting Isle of Skye and its stunning Fairy Pools on this immersive day trip from Inverness. Begin your adventure with a visit to Rogie Falls, then journey across the Skye Bridge to explore the breathtaking landscapes. Stroll through the picturesque Fairy Pools, known for their crystal-clear waters, and visit Scotland's oldest inhabited castle, Dunvegan Castle. Enjoy free time in Portree, where you can soak in the colorful scenery before capturing views of iconic landmarks like Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle on your way back. - Full-day tour lasting approximately 12.5 hours, including travel time - Visit the Fairy Pools with a 75-minute scenic walk (sturdy footwear recommended) - Explore Dunvegan Castle (entrance not included, optional add-on) - Small group experience with a local guide sharing Scottish stories and insights

Inverness is the Highland capital — a city with a castle, a character, and considerably more history than its modest size suggests. This app-led scavenger hunt takes you through Inverness on foot, using phone-based riddles to guide you from one landmark to the next. No guide, no fixed start time. • Track down Inverness Castle, the Inverness Town House, and Gellions Bar — history, civic pride, and a pub that's been standing since the 1700s • Start when you arrive and walk the city at your own pace • Great for couples, families, and groups of all sizes Available in 24 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian — see the full list when booking and choose yours when you start the game in the app. Around 2 hours - any group size. No kilt required, but the Highland welcome is genuine.

See the highlights of the Isle of Skye in just two days, without any of the hassle of planning your trip or renting a car, with this overnight tour. Set out from Inverness with a driver-guide, stopping at scenic viewpoints and beautiful castles, lochs, and waterfalls along the way. Choose from a package that includes accommodation in Portree or book your own for more flexibility.

Discover the sights and sounds of Inverness and the surrounding areas by bike with one of our tour guides. Our cool electric bikes do the work while you can enjoy the journey (you still have to pedal!). We lead you on a journey through parkland, besides the river, out to the sea and over some islands. During your journey we can stop at a café for refreshments and we visit historical and interesting sights around Inverness. We know the area as we live here. We can guide you and take the best routes. Our bikes are cool, fun to ride and help you as they have an electric motor which does a lot of the work. You still have to pedal though!

Venture into the heart of the Scottish Highlands on this immersive walking tour through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park. Departing from Inverness, this full-day adventure features a scenic hike of 5.5 miles, led by experienced mountain guides who share local folklore and nature insights. Experience the stunning landscapes, including ancient pine forests and shimmering lochs, and enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Aviemore, a hub for outdoor activities. Spot wildlife at Loch Garten Nature Reserve and reconnect with nature in this tranquil setting. - Guided 5.5-mile hike through the stunning Cairngorms National Park - Learn about local history and wildlife from experienced guides - Lunch in Aviemore with options for seasonal produce - Includes a visit to the Loch Garten Nature Reserve for wildlife spotting

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape. Note that from late December to early February, the castle is closed to visitors but accessible for photos.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Isle of Skye, where breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring landscapes await around every corner. On Skye, every view is postcard-perfect, making it a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike. Step into a land steeped in Scotland’s myths and legends—where mountains are said to be shaped by giants, enchanted waters promise eternal youth, and the whispers of faerie folk can be heard in the wind. With its rich mix of natural beauty and quaint charm, the Isle of Skye invites travelers to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of Scotland’s Highlands.

Getting around the Scottish Highlands without a car can be tricky, but this small-group tour lets you leave the driving and planning to the experts. Visit beauty spots, historic landmarks, and "Outlander" locations such as Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and the Clava Cairns, while your guide fills you in on the region's history and culture.

Explore Loch Ness at your own pace on this independent 1-day cycle tour from Inverness. Hop on your bike in Bellfield Park and — with your map and directions to hand — head into rural Scotland toward Loch Ness. Head along winding country roads at your leisure and enjoy fine views over the countryside scenery. Spin through the peaceful village of Dores to the banks of Loch Ness, then perhaps enjoy lunch in a local café before strolling along the shoreline. Bike hire, map and directions are included on this tour.

Get out of town and into the scenic countryside—without the hassle of driving—on this guided tour from Inverness. Head for the famed Loch Ness and join a cruise to view the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The trip also includes a visit to Beauly, Outlander filming locations, a Highland whisky distillery, and visits to Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield.

Explore the best of the Scottish Highlands' scenery on this day tour from Inverness. Soak up the views and learn all about Scottish history as you cruise across the mysterious Loch Ness, visit Fort Augustus Abbey and loch-side Urquhart Castle, admire the majestic Falls of Foyers, and wander along Dores Beach.

Explore the landscape and legends of Loch Ness and the Highlands on a sightseeing tour from Inverness. Take a cruise across the legendary loch to see Urquhart Castle and embark on an easy-going walk from Invermoriston to see lush forests and waterfalls. This Highlands tour includes pickup and drop-off at a central location in Inverness, and is limited to 16 people for personal service.

Experience the best of the Black Isle on this unique day tour from Inverness, combining culture, nature, and wildlife. Visit the historic village of Beauly and the mystical Clootie Well, then enjoy a craft beer tasting at Black Isle Brewery. Explore the charming town of Cromarty, walk to the hidden Fairy Glen waterfalls, and discover Fortrose Cathedral. With stunning coastal views and excellent chances to spot dolphins along the Moray and Beauly Firths, this tour offers a perfectly balanced Highland experience in one unforgettable day. Please Note: Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed - however, the Inner Moray Firth / Black Isle is one of the best areas in Scotland for shore-based dolphin spotting, with a well-studied local population of bottlenose dolphins protected within the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation.

Beat the lines by booking your entry ticket to SeaLife Loch Lomond in advance. Inside the interactive aquarium, you’ll have access to exhibits such as Predators of the Reef, an Ocean Tank, and Tropical Ocean Tunnel, home to diverse marine life such as sharks, clown fish, and manta rays. Plus, you’ll have the chance to touch starfish in the immersive rock pools. A fun-filled family day out is guaranteed at SeaLife Loch Lomond.

Discover the best of Inverness and the surrounding Scottish Highlands on a 2-day self-guided cycling tour. Each day, you have the freedom to choose from a selection of carefully designed route options to suit your interests, fitness level, and preferred pace. Ride across to the beautiful Black Isle and stop in Cromarty, explore the historic Fort George and the Culloden Battlefield, or head south alongside Loch Ness towards Foyers, with the option to pause at Cameron’s Tea Room for a bite to eat and a chance to spot iconic Highland cows. The suggested routes are easy to follow and thoughtfully planned for flat-bar bikes, combining back roads, dedicated cycle paths, and must-see Highland landmarks. It’s the perfect way to explore Inverness at your own pace, creating a flexible two-day itinerary that showcases the very best of the Scottish Highlands.

Discover the best of Inverness and the surrounding Scottish Highlands on a 3-day self-guided cycling tour. Each day, you have the freedom to choose from a selection of carefully designed route options to suit your interests, fitness level, and preferred pace. Ride across to the beautiful Black Isle and stop in Cromarty, explore the historic Fort George and the Culloden Battlefield, or head south alongside Loch Ness towards Foyers, with the option to pause at Cameron’s Tea Room for a bite to eat and a chance to spot iconic Highland cows. The suggested routes are easy to follow and thoughtfully planned for flat-bar bikes, combining back roads, dedicated cycle paths, and must-see Highland landmarks. It’s the perfect way to explore Inverness at your own pace, creating a flexible two-day itinerary that showcases the very best of the Scottish Highlands.

Explore the Highlands in Comfort and Style Travel with an expert local guide who offers private, flexible tours tailored to couples, solo travellers, and small families seeking authentic Highland journeys.

Whisky-tasting around Scotland loses some of its appeal when you have to designate a driver. This private tour lets you avoid making that tough decision. Your Highlander guide will drive you through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery on your way to several of Speyside's best distilleries, including Macallan and Glenfiddich.